Should we use 1024 or 1200 number of wave samples?

You will notice that when configuring the AWAC for the number of samples we have added the option of 1200 and 2400 samples to the already existing option of 512, 1024, and 2048 samples. Occasionally we are asked whether to use 1024 or 1200 samples since they are relatively similar in length. The short answer is that you should use 512, 1024, or 2048 if you are using Nortek wave processing software (e.g. QuickWave, Storm). This is because we truncate the 1200 and 2400 time series to 1024 and 2048 samples prior to processing.

You probably wonder why do we offer these extra samples if we don't even use them for processing (!). Fair enough question. We have always offered 512, 1024, and 2048 samples per wave burst. This provides very sound processing and several options of burst lengths when selected with 1 or 2 Hz sampling. What is not so nice is that that length of time in minutes:seconds is 8:32, 17:04, and 34:08. Understandably, these numbers are not very *pretty* ... yet, it is still sound from a wave processing perspective (which is our perspective).

The 1200 and 2400 sampling option was added some time ago to assist a few researchers who desired this length (20 and 40 minute lengths). It was left in place as simple option to those who perform their own wave processing.

Several comparisons have been made between wave buoys and AWACs having different number of samples and burst lengths. These comparisons showed very good agreement.